The National Commission of Senior Citizens-Davao Region (NCSC-Davao) has announced the distribution of a total of P39.4 million in cash gifts to senior citizens under the Expanded Centenarians Act (ECA) Cash Gift Distribution program. The funds were allocated during the first quarter of the year, benefiting 3,742 qualified grantees across the region.
Breakdown of Beneficiaries by Area
Of the total grantees, 971 were from Davao City, 505 from Davao Oriental, 176 from Davao Occidental, 674 from Davao del Sur, 811 from Davao del Norte, and 605 from Davao de Oro. The distribution covered various age groups: 2,002 seniors aged 80, 1,125 aged 85, 461 aged 90, 132 aged 95, and 22 centenarians aged 100.
Plans for Second Quarter
Filbert Bryan Sollesta, project development officer of NCSC-Davao, stated that the office expects an increase in beneficiaries for the second quarter of 2026, targeting 5,000 recipients. He expressed gratitude to local government units, particularly the local welfare offices and the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (Osca), for their role in endorsing eligible senior citizens.
Comparison with 2025 Distribution
In 2025, NCSC-Davao distributed P139 million in cash assistance to 13,247 senior citizens under the same program. The breakdown by area included 3,624 from Davao City, 2,802 from Davao del Norte, 2,243 from Davao de Oro, 1,994 from Davao Oriental, 1,754 from Davao del Sur, and 830 from Davao Occidental.
Shift to Digital Distribution
NCSC-Davao is exploring the adoption of a digital distribution method through a Direct Crediting System, which would serve as an alternative to the traditional face-to-face cash gift distribution. Under the current system, senior citizens must be physically present to receive their cash gifts. The proposed digital system would allow beneficiaries to receive funds directly into their bank accounts.
Sollesta explained during the Kapehan sa Dabaw event on May 4, 2026, at SM City Davao that senior citizens would enroll their bank accounts, enabling the commission to credit the cash gift directly. To enroll, seniors must submit an application form and a completed Bank Account Details Form to their local Osca. Once the cash gift is approved, the office will issue an order to the bank to transfer the money, and beneficiaries will receive a text message notification.
About the Expanded Centenarians Act
The Expanded Centenarians Act provides benefits to octogenarians, nonagenarians, and centenarians, amending Republic Act No. 10868, or the Centenarians Act of 2016. Signed in February 2024, the law expands coverage and grants P100,000 upon turning 100, and P10,000 at ages 80, 85, 90, and 95. Senior citizens may apply through their local Osca or the NCSC website, with requirements including proof of age such as a birth certificate or national ID.
